The Cutter Incident: History of the 1955 Polio Vaccine Disaster
History: The Cutter Incident by Paul Offit examines the 1955 polio-vaccine disaster and its consequences for vaccine manufacturing. The book traces the vaccine’s development, Cutter Laboratories’ production, and the legal and policy aftermath, drawing on archives and interviews, according to the listing.
At a glance
- Reconstructs the 1955 Cutter Laboratories polio-vaccine disaster and its human consequences.
- Connects the incident to later legal and policy developments affecting vaccine production.
- The listing describes research drawing on archives and interviews with officials, executives, employees, attorneys, and victims.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines the history of Salk’s polio vaccine with an account of industrial production and the Cutter disaster.
- Addresses how a jury verdict and its aftermath influenced vaccine manufacturing and development.
- The Kindle listing specifies screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip.
Technical specifications
12 specifications| Publisher | Yale University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 10, 2005 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 309 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0300130379 |
| File size | 4.3 MB |
|---|---|
| Screen reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
What to know before buying
- The listing presents the book’s historical and policy interpretation. Its account and claims are not independent verification of the historical details.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in polio vaccine history and the Cutter Laboratories incident.
- Readers seeking a case study of public health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and vaccine policy.
Less suited to
- Readers looking primarily for current vaccine guidance or a general clinical reference.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
69% 69% - 4 stars
23% 23% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the book as informative and well researched, with particular appreciation for its history of the polio vaccine and Jonas Salk’s work. The writing is also praised, including a comparison to a detective story. The overall rating distribution is mostly favorable but includes a smaller middle-rating segment. For readers considering this historical account, that feedback supports its appeal as an engaging narrative, while ratings alone cannot establish the accuracy of its historical interpretation.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the informative, well-researched treatment of polio vaccine history and Jonas Salk.
- Feedback highlights an engaging writing style, with one customer likening it to a detective story.
Frequently asked questions
What historical event does The Cutter Incident cover?
It covers the 1955 polio vaccine disaster involving Cutter Laboratories and examines consequences for vaccine production and policy.
What evidence does the book listing say it draws on?
The listing says the account draws on interviews and previously unavailable archives.
What Kindle reading features are listed?
Screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip are listed as supported or enabled. X-Ray is listed as not enabled.
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